Portable cellular network system

ABSTRACT

A system for setting up a cellular network is provided. The system includes a base station module and a core network module. The base station module has a transmitter, a receiver, and a processor configured to provide base station functions to handle transmission and reception of radio signals to and from cellular devices within the cellular network via the transmitter and receiver. The core network module has a processor configured to provide core network functions to handle cellular communication services for the cellular devices. The system has a switch connected to supply power to the base station module and the core network module from a power source. Activating the switch causes the base station functions and core network functions to be automatically and systematically started up to enable full functionality of the cellular network system. The system is sufficiently compact so that it can be carried by hand.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology described herein relates to cellular network systems.Particular embodiments relate to systems and apparatus for setting up astandalone cellular network.

BACKGROUND

Conventional cellular network systems are generally complex. Theytypically consist of many separate network components, requiring highlytrained technical personnel to configure, install, operate and maintain.The set-up process can be time-consuming and complicated as thepersonnel will typically need to physically connect several hardwarecomponents using cables or wires, and then start up and configure eachcomponent separately and ensure that the components are connected andthat the system is functional and properly configured. It may takeseveral days or weeks to install and configure a new cellular network.

Generally, cellular network systems are also physically large. FIG. 1illustrates a conventional cellular network system 20 having a corenetwork 21, radio base station 22 and transmission tower 23. Corenetwork 21 is connected to radio base station 22 via a transmissionnetwork 25. Core network components 24 of core network 21 can fillentire floor-to-ceiling cabinets or even large rooms. Radio basestations are also typically very large. The size of such componentsmakes it difficult to transport them to some areas where cellularnetworks may be needed. Typical cellular network systems include severalgeographically-distributed stations in order to be able to providecellular coverage to a particular area.

Due to their large size and complexity, conventional cellular networksystems are impractical to set up in situations where communicationservices are required on short notice and/or situations where thenetworks are to be operated by personnel with little or no training incellular network systems. Such situations might arise in emergencyresponse or disaster relief situations or in other situations wheretemporary communication services are required. For example, workers whoare deployed in remote areas without cellular network coverage may wantto communicate with one another and/or with other persons outside oftheir area using a cellular device. The workers may requirecommunication services immediately upon arriving at their destination,but may not have the time or the expertise required to set up aconventional cellular network system. In addition, it may be tooimpractical to transport all of the cellular network system componentsto the remote area in which the workers are deployed.

There is a general desire for cellular network systems and apparatusthat address at least some of the aforementioned problems.

The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations relatedthereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Otherlimitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill inthe art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

SUMMARY

The technology described herein provides essential cellular networkfunctions from a single standalone unit. In example embodiments,components needed to provide a cellular network system are integratedand housed in a single enclosure. The unit may have appliance-likeoperation and may be operated without the assistance of trainedpersonnel. The unit may be carried as a backpack.

A standalone wireless cellular communications network can be set up byoperating a switch in the unit. The switch triggers execution of aset-up routine which automatically enables full functionality of acellular network system including enabling a plurality of radio basestation functions and a plurality of core network functions. The systemmay provide voice calling, SMS text messaging and mobile data access tocellular devices within the network. In some embodiments, the cellularcommunications network is automatically set up and configured andbecomes fully operational within a few minutes of turning on the switch.The cellular network system may be suitable for use in situations wheretemporary communication services are required to be set up on shortnotice.

Certain embodiments provide a cellular network system that may beconnected to an external network. For example, the cellular networksystem may be connected to an external satellite network through asatellite terminal. The satellite terminal may be communicativelycoupled to the cellular network system through a WiFi connection orother means. Once connected to the satellite network, the cellularnetwork system facilitates communication with devices outside of thelocal cellular network.

Particular embodiments provide a standalone cellular network system forsetting up a cellular network. The system is sufficiently compact sothat it can be carried by hand or as a backpack. The system includes abase station module and a core network module. The base station modulehas a transmitter, a receiver, and a base station processor configuredto provide a plurality of base station functions to handle transmissionand reception of radio signals to and from one or more cellular deviceswithin the cellular network via the transmitter and the receiver. Thecore network module has a core network processor configured to provide aplurality of core network functions to handle cellular communicationservices for the cellular devices by processing the radio signals andsending instructions to the base station module. In describedembodiments, the cellular communication services include voice callingservices, SMS text messaging services and/or mobile data services.

The cellular network system has a switch connected to supply power tothe base station module and the core network module from a power source.Activating the switch enables full functionality of the cellular networksystem including enabling the plurality of radio base station functionsand enabling the plurality of core network functions. Activating theswitch causes base station applications and core network applications tobe automatically and systematically started up.

In some embodiments the core network processor is configured totranscode and/or interwork voice, SMS text messages, or data received ina first digital format to a second digital format. The core networkprocessor may be configured to handle a number of different digitalcellular communications formats.

The cellular network system has a WiFi transmitter and receiver in someembodiments. The system's core network processor may be configured toestablish a WiFi access point for the system.

Particular embodiments provide a control panel user interface for thecellular network system. An operator may input commands using thecontrol panel user interface to instruct the system's core networkprocessor to cause a voice call to be initiated to a selection of one ormore cellular devices, cause a text message to be transmitted to aselection of one or more cellular devices, or cause a voice call betweentwo cellular devices to be interrupted. The operator may also use thecontrol panel user interface to manage call volume. The operator may,for example, disable subscribers associated with lower priority settingsfrom making calls when the channel capacity is approaching overloadconditions.

Particular embodiments provide a method for setting up a cellularnetwork system to provide a cellular network. The method includes, inresponse to receiving an activation signal, automatically powering on abase station module and a core network module of the system. The basestation module includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a base stationprocessor configured to provide a plurality of base station applicationsto handle transmission and reception of radio signals to and from one ormore cellular devices within the cellular network via the transmitterand the receiver. The core network module includes a core networkprocessor configured to provide a plurality of core network applicationsto handle cellular communication services for the cellular devices byprocessing the radio signals and sending instructions to the basestation module. The method includes the base station processor startingexecution of the base station applications and the core networkprocessor starting execution of the core network applications.

The method proceeds with the core network processor loading a pluralityof predetermined core network configuration settings from a memorystorage device, and the base station processor loading a plurality ofpredetermined base station configuration settings from a memory storagedevice. The core network processor also loads subscriber data from thememory storage device.

The method proceeds with the core network processor causing a signal tobe sent to the base station processor to indicate availability of thecore network services. In response to receiving the signal the basestation processor establishes a connection of the base station module tothe core network module.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above,further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to thedrawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of thedrawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosedherein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

FIG. 1 illustrates the components of a conventional cellular networksystem.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cellular network apparatus according to oneembodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side and rear views respectively of the apparatus ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the components of a system for settingup a standalone cellular network according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the functions of a core network thatmay be implemented by the system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the functions of a radio base stationthat may be implemented by the system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process that occurs according toone embodiment when a switch for the FIG. 2 apparatus is turned on.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the process that occurs according toone embodiment when a switch for the FIG. 2 apparatus is turned off.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a control panel user interface that may beused by an operator to manage calls in the cellular network according toone embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front panel for the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 illustrates a battery pack that may be used with the apparatusof FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION

Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in theart. However, well known elements may not have been shown or describedin detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly,the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative,rather than a restrictive, sense.

In embodiments described herein, communications network systems areprovided. In particular embodiments, the communications network systemestablishes a complete standalone cellular network which provides voicecalling, SMS text messaging and mobile data services to cellular devicesin the network. As used herein, a “cellular device” refers to any mobileterminal (such as a cellular phone) that is capable of making andreceiving telephone or voice calls over a radio communication link. Inaddition to voice calling, such cellular devices may typically supportother capabilities such as Short Message Service (SMS) text messaging,mobile data (or data communicated over the cellular network), MultimediaMessaging Service (MMS), WiFi communication, and the like.

Particular embodiments provide apparatus for setting up a cellularnetwork. Components of a cellular network system may be housed within acompact enclosure. The apparatus may be carried by hand or worn as abackpack for transport to a location in which cellular communicationservices are desired. In particular embodiments, the apparatus hasdimensions of 43 cm×30 cm×11 cm and weighs less than 15 kg.

In certain embodiments, all of the components required for providingcellular communication services are integrated within the cellularnetwork system. Thus by operating a single control or switch for thesystem, a cellular network may be set up and configured without anyfurther action required by the system operator. In particularembodiments the communications network becomes fully operational withina few minutes of the operator operating the switch. When cellularcommunication services are no longer required, the system and all of itscomponents are shut down and the processes properly terminated byoperating the switch.

It can be appreciated that due to their compact size and single-switchoperation, systems and apparatus described in the non-limiting examplesherein can advantageously be used in situations where temporarycommunication services are required on an immediate basis. Workers whoare deployed in remote areas without cellular network coverage, orworkers who are deployed to provide emergency response or disasterrelief services, may use the systems and apparatus described herein toset up a cellular communications network in order to communicate withone another and/or with other persons outside of their area using acellular device. It is not necessary to have specialized training tooperate the system described in particular embodiments herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an apparatus 30 for setting up a standalone cellularnetwork in accordance with one embodiment. Hardware components forestablishing a cellular network are housed within a compact and portableenclosure 32 of apparatus 30. As illustrated, apparatus 30 may becarried as a backpack by an operator 33 using shoulder straps 34attached to enclosure 32. Alternately, apparatus 30 may be carried byhand by grasping one or more handles 36 extending from enclosure 32 (seeFIGS. 3A and 3B). Once apparatus 30 is switched on, a cellular networkis established, and operator 33 can use cellular device 35 to establishcommunications with another cellular device in the cellular network.Similarly, other users can communicate with each other on their cellulardevices in the cellular network.

FIG. 4 illustrates the components of a system 50 for setting up astandalone cellular network in accordance with one embodiment. System 50includes a radio base station module 52 and a core network module 54,which together carry out a number of functions to facilitatecommunications between a first cellular device 35A and a second cellulardevice 35B (collectively, cellular devices 35) in the cellular network.

System 50 also includes a power source 56 that is connected to providepower to hardware components of system 50 including components of basestation module 52 and core network module 54. Power source 56 may be abattery pack (e.g. battery pack 49 of FIG. 11). In some embodiments,power source 56 is provided by another external source (e.g. plug-in toa DC or AC supply of power). The supply of power to system 50 may becontrolled by the operation of an on/off switch 57.

Base station module 52 functions as a conduit to relay radio signalsbetween cellular devices 35 and core network module 54. As shown in FIG.4, base station module 52 includes a radio receiver 58B for listeningfor and receiving radio signals from cellular devices 35. Base stationmodule 52 also includes a radio transmitter 58A for transmitting radiosignals to cellular devices 35. Collectively, radio transmitter 58A andradio receiver 58B may be referred to as radio transmitter/receiver 58.In some embodiments the functions of radio transmitter 58A and radioreceiver 58B are combined in a radio transceiver.

Base station module 52 also includes a base station processor 61 and aprogram memory 63 storing a plurality of base station applications 64(see FIG. 4). Processor 61 receives radio signals from radio receiver58B and may perform preliminary processing of the radio signals byexecuting procedures in accordance with base station applications 64.These radio signals are relayed to core network module 54 for furtherprocessing and handling. Processor 61 may also carry out various stepsunder the direction of core network module 54, such as, for example,transmission of radio signals to a cellular device 35 via radiotransmitter 58A.

Base station module 52 also includes memory storage 65. A plurality ofpre-loaded base station configuration settings 66 may be stored inmemory storage 65. Base station configuration settings 66 may be inputto the base station start-up functions which are executed by processor61 upon powering on system 50 in order to configure and set up the basestation module 52 of the cellular network.

Core network module 54 processes the signals to and from cellulardevices 35 (send and received through base station module 52) and, aswill be described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 5,handles most of the functions needed to provide cellular communicationservices to cellular devices 35. As seen in FIG. 4, core network module54 includes a core network processor 71 and a program memory 73 storinga plurality of core network applications 74. Processor 71 executesinstructions in accordance with core network applications 74 in order tomanage and process communications such as voice calls, SMS text messagesand/or mobile data. In accordance with core network applications 74,processor 71 sends instructions to base station module 52 directing basestation module 52 to transmit radio signals to a cellular device 35.

Core network module 54 also includes memory storage 75. A plurality ofpre-loaded core network configuration settings 76 may be stored inmemory storage 75. Core network configuration settings 76 may be inputto the core network start-up functions which are executed by processor71 upon powering on system 50 in order to configure and set up the corenetwork module 54 of the cellular network. A subscriber database 77 mayalso be stored in memory storage 75. Subscriber database 77 may includeinformation needed to authenticate and manage subscribers on the network(e.g. subscriber identification, account information, profileinformation, call logs, etc.).

As illustrated in FIG. 4, system 50 may include a WiFitransmitter/receiver 59. WiFi transmitter/receiver 59 enables system 50to establish a WiFi communication link with one or more WiFi-enableddevices. System 50 can be configured to provide a WiFi access point forcellular devices 35 or other WiFi-enabled devices in the local areanetwork. For example, a WiFi-enabled cellular device 35 within range ofthe access point can establish a WiFi connection with system 50 tocommunicate with system 50 and other devices in the network.

In some embodiments an external terminal, such as a portable satelliteterminal 79 as shown in FIG. 4, may be WiFi-enabled and may be incommunication with system 50 via system 50's WiFi transmitter/receiver59. Satellite terminal 79 can be used to connect system 50 with anexternal satellite network so that cellular devices 35 in the localnetwork established by system 50 can communicate with other devicesoutside of the local network.

Various components of system 50 may be housed within the enclosure 32 ofFIG. 2's apparatus 30. For example, radio transmitter/receiver 58,processor 61, program memory 63 and memory storage 65 of base stationmodule 52 may be encased in enclosure 32. Similarly, processor 71,program memory 73 and memory storage 75 of core network module 54 may beencased in enclosure 32. WiFi transmitter/receiver 59 may also be housedin enclosure 32. Other components of system 50 may be attached toenclosure 32 and positioned at least partially external to enclosure 32.Such components may include, for example, one or more antenna 42 (shownin FIG. 10) connected to radio transmitter/receiver 58, and an antenna43 (shown in FIG. 10) connected to WiFi transmitter/receiver 59.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict functions of the core network module 54 and radiobase station module 52 that may be implemented by base stationapplications 64 and core network applications 74 respectively of FIG.4's system 50. As seen in FIG. 5, the core network module may carry outthe following functions:

-   -   a mobile switch 81—handles most of the call management        functions, including routing voice calls and establishing and        releasing end-to-end connection. For example, in response to        receiving a signal from cellular device 35A (via base station        module 52) requesting a call to cellular device 35B, mobile        switch 81 may relay instructions to base station module 52 to        route the call to cellular device 35B.    -   subscriber service server 83 and authentication center        85—together, these functions manage subscriber authentication,        authorization and accounting functions, such as, for example,        ensuring that the caller is a registered subscriber on the        network and is using a properly authenticated phone and is        permitted to make the call. These functions may retrieve data        from and write data to subscriber database 77 stored in memory        storage 75 (FIG. 4).    -   short message services 84—responsible for the communication of        SMS text messages between cellular devices.    -   media resource functions 86—responsible for media-related        functions including playing tones (e.g. ring tone, busy tone,        etc.) and system announcements.    -   packet service node 87—handles packet switching services such as        converting data into packets and managing packet traffic. Packet        switching may be used in providing mobile data services to        cellular devices in the network.    -   transcoder functions 88—handles transcoding of signals from one        format to another to enable communication between different        cellular devices. For example, analog voice signals may be        converted to a digital format or vice versa, or signals in one        digital format may be converted to signals in another digital        format. In particular embodiments, transcoder functions 88        detect the format of the incoming communication signal and        determine whether or not conversion to another format is        required, and if so, will handle the conversion. Digital formats        that are supported by transcoder functions 88 may include media        payload formats transported by GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, WiMAX and LTE        standards and the like. The transcoder functions 88        advantageously permit system 50 to establish communications        between different cellular devices in the cellular network        without requiring a connection to servers or other machines to        provide the transcoder functions (as would be typically required        for conventional cellular networks). This allows system 50 to        provide cellular communication services from a compact enclosure        and from any location, independently of other machines or        external networks.

As seen in FIG. 6, the radio base station module may carry out thefollowing functions:

-   -   a radio base station 96—handles the relaying of signals between        a cellular device and the core network.    -   a radio network controller 97—responsible for managing the        transmission and reception of signals at the base station. Where        there is more than one base station that is available to handle        a call in the network, radio network controller 97 may determine        which base station is responsible, and controls the handoff of        signals between base stations.

As previously noted, all of the components required for providingcellular communication services are integrated within enclosure 32, suchthat, by the operator turning on a single switch or operating some othercontrol, a cellular network is set up and configured and becomes fullyoperational within a few minutes without any further action required bythe operator. FIG. 7 shows a start-up process 100 that occurs whensystem 50 of FIG. 4 is powered on. Process 100 begins with the operationof a switch at block 102. For example, the operator may press a button,move a manual switch (such as on/off switch 47 of FIG. 10), or the like,to cause an electrical switch 57 to be closed, thereby allowing for thesupply of power from the power source 56 to components of system 50 (seeFIG. 4).

Once the switch has been turned on, process 100 proceeds by powering onand setting up the radio base station module at blocks 104 to 110 andthe core network module at blocks 114 to 126. The process executed atblocks 104 to 110 may be generally performed in parallel with theprocess executed at blocks 114 to 126. Some of the steps may take longerthan others; thus the steps carried out at blocks 104 to 110 are notnecessarily completed at the same time as those carried out at blocks114 to 126. In particular embodiments, all of the steps of process 100are executed and completed within approximately 3 minutes of the switchbeing turned on at block 102. The process steps which occur once theswitch has been turned on are described in more detail below.

The radio base station and core network modules are powered on at blocks104, 114 respectively. This may involve various hardware componentsturning on, such as for example, processor 61 and radiotransmitter/receiver 58 of base station module 52, and processor 71 ofcore network module 54, of FIG. 4's system 50. Random-access memory(RAM) and other memory storage devices required by applications of basestation module 52 and core network module 54 may also be powered on atthis time. The application of power to each hardware component may becontrolled by relays or the like. The sequential turning on of eachcomponent may be managed or coordinated by control software.

Process 100 next proceeds by starting up the radio base stationoperating system and the core network operating system at blocks 106,116 respectively. Starting of these operating systems then allows forbase station applications to start executing under the management of thebase station operating system at block 108, and the core networkapplications to start executing under the management of the core networkoperating system at block 120. Also, at block 118 the core networkoperating system may direct a WiFi access point for the system to bestarted up.

At blocks 110 and 126, the radio base station applications and corenetwork applications respectively load their configuration settings. Theradio base station configuration settings 66 may be retrieved frommemory storage 65 of base station module 52 of FIG. 4's system 50.Similarly, the core network configuration settings 76 may be retrievedfrom memory storage 75 of core network module 54 of FIG. 4's system 50.These configuration settings are used by the base station and the corenetwork applications to determine various parameters for operation ofthe base station and core network. Base station configuration settingsmay include, for example: system identification, operating frequency,transmit power, and modulation scheme. Core network configurationsettings may include, for example, system identification, routingtables, class of service, and resource allocation.

Once the core network configuration settings are loaded, the corenetwork subscriber application loads subscriber information at block124. Such information may be retrieved from a subscriber database 77stored in memory storage 75 of core network module 54 (see FIG. 4). Thesubscriber information may be used to execute various core networksubscriber functions. These may include the subscriber functionspreviously described with reference to FIG. 5, such as managingsubscriber authentication, authorization and accounting functions.

Process 100 then proceeds to block 126 at which the core network offersits services to the base station. For example the core network may senda signal to the base station advertising the core network'savailability. If the base station has finished loading (i.e. the stepsat blocks 104 to 110 are complete), it responds to this signal andestablishes a connection with the core network at block 112. Thisconnection allows for communication of signals between processor 61 ofbase station module 52 and processor 71 of core network module 54.

At block 130, the base station may gradually step up its wirelesstransmitter power (e.g. radio transmitter 58A of FIG. 4's system 50)until it is operating at full power. At this point the cellular networkis fully established, and communications (such as voice calls) may beestablished between cellular devices 35 in the network. Similarly, SMStext messages may be exchanged between cellular devices in the network.

The steps of process 100 pertaining to the start-up of the radio basestation may be implemented as software applications 64 contained in aprogram memory 63 accessible to processor 61 of base station module 52of FIG. 4's system 50. The steps of process 100 pertaining to thestart-up of the core network may be implemented as software applications74 contained in a program memory 73 accessible to processor 71 of corenetwork module 54 of FIG. 4's system 50. The processors implement thesteps by executing software instructions provided by the softwareapplications.

The following is a non-limiting example of how a cellular network system50, which has been set up to provide a cellular network, may be used bypersons to make calls. Suppose that a user wishes to make a call on hiscellular device 35A to another cellular device 35B in the network.Cellular device 35A initially scans for a radio signal from a radio basestation, and will detect a signal from radio base station module 52.Signals are then exchanged between the cellular device 35A and radiobase station module 52, and radio base station module 52 relays signalsto and from core network module 54 in order to establish a connection ofcellular device 35A to the cellular network. For example, core networkmodule 54 may receive information to identify the cellular device, andvarious functions are executed at the core network module (e.g. such asthe functions carried out by subscriber service server 83 andauthentication center 85 of FIG. 5) to ensure that the cellular deviceis registered as a subscriber of the cellular network. If cellulardevice 35A is authorized to be on the network, a connection isestablished and cellular device 35A is permitted to make and receivecalls. Similar steps may be performed to establish a cellular networkconnection with cellular device 35B to enable that device to make andreceive calls.

The user may then use cellular device 35A to place a call to cellulardevice 35B (or vice versa). Cellular device 35A transmits a signal toradio base station module 52 to initiate the call. The signal is handedacross the network, through core network module 54 and then back toradio base station module 52, to cellular device 35B. The operator ofcellular device 35B receives the signal indicating the incoming call. Ifhe accepts the call on his device, a two-way voice call connectionbetween cellular devices 35A, 35B is established, and voice signals forthe call are handed across the network.

System 50 may be configured to support communication between differenttypes of cellular devices, including standard cellular phones. Forexample, in particular embodiments, system 50 is compatible withcellular phones that support GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, WiMAX and LTE standards.The transcoder functions described above with reference to FIG. 5 mayenable system 50 to support communications between different types ofcellular devices.

The above example outlines a call between two cellular devices 35A, 35Bin a cellular network established by system 50. The range of thecellular network may be up to approximately 3 km for particularembodiments. System 50 can also be configured to facilitatecommunications to devices outside of the cellular network. This can beachieved by connecting system 50 to external networks such asterrestrial, satellite or wireless broadband networks. The interfacebetween system 50 and the external network may employ the use of WiFi,Ethernet cable, USB, analogue wired connection, or the like. FIG. 10shows a front panel 37 for a cellular network system 50 in accordancewith one embodiment. Panel 37 includes an Ethernet cable socket 38 and aUSB socket 39. In addition, panel 37 has a WiFi antenna 43 for thetransmission and reception of WiFi signals.

Satellite transmission may be used in some cases to enables calls to bemade to devices outside of the cellular network established by system50. For example, as seen in FIG. 4, a satellite terminal 79 may beprovided to establish a connection with an external satellite network.In the illustrated embodiment, the satellite terminal is WiFi-enabledand is communicatively coupled to system 50 by way of a WiFi connectionthrough system 50's WiFi transmitter/receiver 59. In other embodiments,the satellite terminal is connected to system 50 by Ethernet cable orUSB connection or other suitable means. A call made from a cellulardevice 35 to a device that is not within the cellular network may behanded across the cellular network to the satellite network viasatellite terminal 79.

In addition to voice calling, connecting system 50 to an externalnetwork via one of the methods described above can permit SMS textmessages and other types of communications to be made to or receivedfrom devices outside of the cellular network established by system 50.The connection of system 50 to an external network can also be used toprovide mobile data access to cellular devices in the cellular network.The cellular devices can access a data network (e.g. an external datanetwork, such as the Internet, or a local data network) via a WiFiconnection to the WiFi access point provided by system 50, oralternately by way of a cellular network connection provided by system50.

System 50 may be configured to support SOS or emergency calls made onthe cellular network. During a rescue or disaster recovery operation,the cellular devices used by people in distress are not generallyregistered in the subscriber database managed by system 50. However,when a caller dials an emergency number, such as 911, from a cellulardevice within the range of the cellular network established by system50, the system's core network module 54 can bypass the regularauthentication procedures and place the call to the rescue team or thefirst responders.

When the cellular network is no longer required, system 50 of FIG. 4 maybe powered down in accordance with a process 150 as shown in FIG. 8. Acomplete shutdown of system 50 may be carried out by turning off aswitch or operating some other control, without any further actionrequired by the operator. FIG. 8's process 150 begins with the operatorturning off a switch at block 152. For example, the operator may pressthe same button or move the same manual switch that was used to power onthe system at block 102 of FIG. 7's start-up process 100. This actioninitiates the steps required for shutdown, including the steps forshutting down the radio base station at blocks 154 to 158 and the stepsfor shutting down the core network at blocks 160 to 166. The processexecuted at blocks 154 to 158 may be generally performed in parallelwith the process executed at blocks 160 to 166. Some of the steps maytake longer than others; therefore, the steps carried out at blocks 154to 158 are not necessarily completed at the same time as those carriedout at blocks 160 to 166.

Once the switch is turned off by the operator at block 152, process 150proceeds by gradually stepping down the radio base station's wirelesstransmitter power at block 154. Core network applications initiate theirshut down process at block 160. This is followed by the core networkoperating system initiating its shutdown process at block 162. The corenetwork operating system may direct the system's WiFi access point to beshut down at block 164. Concurrently with the foregoing steps, the radiobase station applications initiate their shut down process at block 156.Shutdown of the radio base station applications and core networkapplications may involve the applications writing data to memory storagefor later use (e.g. subscriber information, call information, etc.).Once all of the applications are terminated, the base station shutdownis complete (block 158) and the core network shutdown is complete (block166).

The steps of process 150 pertaining to the shutdown of the radio basestation may be implemented as software applications 64 contained in aprogram memory 63 accessible to processor 61 of base station module 52of FIG. 4's system 50. The steps of process 150 pertaining to theshutdown of the core network may be implemented as software applications74 contained in a program memory 73 accessible to processor 71 of corenetwork module 54 of FIG. 4's system 50. The processors implement thesteps by executing software instructions provided by the softwareapplications.

In particular embodiments, system 50 is configured to provide a controlpanel user interface for use by an operator to manage calls, SMS textmessages and other communications in the cellular network. Suchcommunication management functions may be useful where a personnel teamhas been deployed in an area and there is a desire for an operator tobroadcast communications to and manage communications among thepersonnel. In one embodiment, core network module 54 of system 50provides a control panel user interface which is displayable on acomputer, cellular device or tablet device that is communicativelyconnected to system 50 (e.g. via WiFi, USB, Ethernet cable connection,and the like). In other embodiments the control panel user interface isdisplayable on a display unit or screen connected to or incorporatedinto system 50. The operator's input to the control panel user interfacemay be provided via touch screen selection or keyboard and mouse input.

The control panel user interface can be configured to permit a number ofcommunication management functions. The following non-limiting examplesof such functions are described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B. FIGS.9A and 9B show main control panel window 202 and text message window 203respectively of a control panel user interface 200 displayed on a tabledevice 201. The functions enabled by control panel user interface 200may include, for example, functions to cause a call to be initiated or atext message to be sent to a cellular device. To access such functions,the operator selects one of the buttons 205 displayed on main controlpanel window 202 (FIG. 9A), representing a particular cellular device onthe network. The operator then selects either a CALL button 208 or anSMS button 209 from a functions menu 207. If CALL button 208 isselected, the core network module is directed to initiate a telephonecall to the selected cellular device. The operator can participate inthe call to the cellular device from the control panel (e.g. via aconnected handset) or from a pre-assigned operator cellular device. IfSMS button 209 is selected instead of CALL button 208, new text messagewindow 203 (FIG. 9B) is opened for input of a text message. The operatortypes in a text message 212 and selects button 214 for SEND. Thisdirects the core network module to transmit the text message to theselected cellular device.

Other functions may cause a group call to be initiated or a text messageto be sent to two or more cellular devices. To access these functions,the operator can select one of the buttons displayed on the controlpanel window, representing a particular group of cellular devices on thenetwork. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the operator can select agroup of cellular devices by selecting multiple buttons 205 displayed onthe main control panel window 202 (FIG. 9A), each button associated witha particular cellular device on the network. The operator then selectseither CALL button 208 or SMS button 209 from functions menu 207. IfCALL button 208 is selected, the core network module is directed toinitiate a group call to the selected group of cellular devices. Theoperator can participate in the group call from the control panel (e.g.via a connected handset) or from a pre-assigned operator cellulardevice. If SMS button 209 is selected instead of CALL button 208, newtext message window 203 (FIG. 9B) is opened for input of a text message.The operator types in a text message 212 and selects button 214 forSEND. This directs the core network module to transmit the text messageto the group of cellular devices. In some embodiments, the control panelpermits the operator to select all cellular devices on the network (e.g.by selecting the ALL button 210 from functions menu 207 on main controlpanel window 202). The operator can then communicate with all cellulardevices in the network, by for example, broadcasting a text message tothe cellular devices.

Other functions that may be supported by the control panel userinterface include:

-   -   The control panel user interface may execute an authentication        function requiring authentication of the operator (e.g. by user        name and password verification) before access to the control        panel is permitted.    -   The control panel may display the phone user state for each        cellular device on the network. Such states may include one of:        IDLE, IN CALL, RINGING, and OFF HOOK.    -   The operator can view the calls in progress and, when needed,        enter a command using the control panel to interrupt any        established calls in progress. For example, the operator can        join an established call, or disconnect the call.

System 50 may be configured to warn an operator of overload situationsso that the operator can manage the call volume. For example, corenetwork module 54 can track the number of calls in session, and displaythe number on the control panel user interface (and/or a warning if thechannel capacity is near overload conditions) so that the operator cantake measures if needed to discontinue service to certain subscribers.The subscriber profiles may assign a priority setting to eachsubscriber. First responders may be assigned a higher priority settingthan other responders. During times of peak call volume, subscribersassociated with a higher priority setting may be allowed to make calls,while subscribers associated with a lower priority setting may bedisabled from making calls. In some embodiments, the system may beconfigured to automatically discontinue service to lower prioritysubscribers when the channel capacity is approaching overloadconditions.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, apparatus 30 may incorporate anenclosure 32 for housing all of the cellular network system components.Enclosure 32 may be a watertight enclosure. It may be designed towithstand water submersion of a depth of up to one meter.

In particular embodiments, cellular network apparatus 30 is passivelycooled (i.e. without the assistance of energy-consuming devices such aspumps or fans, etc.). For example, a heat sink 45 (FIG. 10) may beincorporated in or connected to the apparatus's enclosure 32 to assistwith cooling the system. Heat sink 45 may consist of a plurality of fins31 extending along one or more sides of enclosure 32, as seen in FIGS.2, 3A and 3B. A plurality of fins 31 may be arranged generally parallelto one another and extend from a surface of enclosure 32. In particularembodiments, heat sink 45 is adapted and incorporated into enclosure 32such that the passive cooling enabled by heat sink 45 provides all ofthe cooling requirements for the system. In some embodiments, cellularnetwork apparatus 30 is designed to withstand outdoor use in a range ofenvironments. As such, apparatus 30 may be designed to be capable ofoperating in a temperature range of between −40° C. to +50° C.

FIG. 11 shows a battery pack 49 which may be provided for use inconjunction with apparatus 30 to supply power to cellular network system50. Battery pack 49 includes a connector 41 for connecting either to apower input to system 50 or to a battery charger. In the illustratedembodiment, battery pack 49 also includes a battery status indicator 48which flashes, lights up, turns a particular colour or provides someother indication when the battery pack 49 power has dropped below athreshold value.

In preferred embodiments cellular network system 50 has at least twopower inputs. This allows a second power source (e.g. a second batteryor an AC or DC power source) to be plugged into the system, so that thesystem can operate without interruption when the primary power source isdisconnected (e.g. the battery pack may be removed for charging, orreplaced with a new battery pack). FIG. 10 illustrates a front panel foran apparatus 30 including a socket 40 for plugging in a DC power sourceand a socket 44 for plugging in a battery pack.

Cellular network system 50 incorporates one or more antennas whichfunction with transmitter/receiver 58 to receive and transmit radiosignals. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10, first and secondantennas 42A, 42B (collectively, antennas 42) are provided to receiveand transmit signals. The use of more than one antenna formultiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) may lend to improvedcommunication performance for certain standards of radio communications.

In some embodiments, a cable may be connected to one or more antennaports so that an external antenna may be used. The external antenna maybe mounted in a higher location to provide better cellular coverage.

Where a component (e.g. radio base station, core network, cellulardevice, receiver, transmitter, server, network, database, module,processor, program memory, power source, switch, antenna, etc.) isreferred to above, unless otherwise indicated, reference to thatcomponent (including a reference to a “means”) should be interpreted asincluding as equivalents of that component any component which performsthe function of the described component (i.e., that is functionallyequivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalentto the disclosed structure which perform the function in the illustratedexemplary embodiments of the invention.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussedabove, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. For example:

-   -   The illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4 shows a separate processor,        program memory and memory storage for configuration settings        and/or subscriber data, for each of radio base station module 52        and core network module 54. It is not necessary to provide        separate components for each module. In some embodiments, for        example, radio base station module 52 and core network module 54        may share the same processor, program memory and/or memory        storage. Also, in some embodiments, the program memory and        memory storage may be provided in one storage component.    -   In the particular embodiments described above, the base station        and core network applications are implemented in software        running on the base station module or the core network module.        In other embodiments, one or more of the base station and core        network applications may be implemented in hardware incorporated        in or accessible to the modules, or in a mix of software and        hardware.    -   In particular embodiments, cellular network apparatus 30 is        configured to support up to 1,000 subscribers and up to 30        simultaneous calls. In some embodiments, more than one cellular        network apparatus 30 may be deployed in a particular area to        establish a larger cellular network and support additional        calls. Each base station module 52 and core network module 54 in        a cellular network apparatus 30 may be configured to operate        within the larger network.    -   System 50 may be configured to provide call services for IP        phones or VoIP phones in a local area network established by        system 50. The signalling protocol typically used for such        phones is SIP (session initiated protocol). System 50 may        connect with an IP phone within the network via an Ethernet        cable or WiFi connection, for example, to enable the IP phone to        place calls to other devices in the network.        It is therefore intended that the scope of the following        appended claims and claims hereafter introduced should not be        limited by the embodiments set forth in the examples, but should        be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the        description as a whole.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, at a system thatincludes a radio base station integrated with a core network modulehoused in a single enclosure, electrical power caused by activation of asingle switch, wherein the radio base station includes a transceiver, abase station processor, a base station memory, the base station memorystoring base station application programs and base station configurationsettings, and wherein the core network module includes a core networkprocessor, a core network memory, and a subscriber database, the corenetwork memory storing core network application programs and corenetwork configuration settings; in response to receiving the electricalpower caused by activation of the single switch, initializing componentsof the radio base station and the core network module in a partiallyparallel fashion, wherein initializing components of the radio basestation comprises: powering on the base station processor, base stationmemory, and transceiver, beginning execution of the base stationapplication programs, and loading, by the base station applicationprograms, the base station configuration settings from the base stationmemory, wherein initializing components of the core network modulecomprises: powering on the core network processor and core networkmemory, beginning execution of the core network application programs,loading, by the core network application programs, the core networkconfiguration settings from the core network memory, and loading, by asubscriber application program, subscriber information from thesubscriber database into the core network memory; offering, by the corenetwork module to the radio base station, core network services thatfacilitate placement and reception of cellular calls by cellular devicesserved by the system; and after initialization of the radio basestation, accepting, by the radio base station, the offer of core networkservices.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein initializing components ofthe radio base station further comprises: gradually stepping up, by theradio base station, transmit power of the transceiver until thetransceiver is transmitting at full power.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the core network services also include exchanging of SMS textmessages between the cellular devices served by the system.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the core network services also include one ormore additional services of: mobile switching services, subscriberauthentication services, media resource function services, andtranscoder services, and wherein initializing components of the corenetwork module further comprises: initializing the one or moreadditional services.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the system alsoincludes a Wifi access point housed in the single enclosure, the methodfurther comprising: in response to receiving the electrical power causedby activation of the single switch, also initializing the Wifi accesspoint with the components of the radio base station and the core networkmodule in the partially parallel fashion.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein the system also includes a portable, Wifi-enabled satelliteterminal in wireless communication with the Wifi access point, andwherein the portable, Wifi-enabled satellite terminal facilitatescommunication between the cellular devices served by the system andother devices outside of the system by way of the Wifi access point. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the system also includes a wireline portin communication with an external broadband wireless network, whereinthe wireline port is one of an Ethernet port or a USB port, and whereinthe external broadband wireless network facilitates communicationbetween the cellular devices served by the system and other devicesoutside of the system.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the powering onof the base station processor, the base station memory, the transceiver,the core network processor, and the core network memory begins inparallel.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the base stationconfiguration settings control system identification, operatingfrequency, transmit power, and modulation scheme, and wherein the corenetwork configuration settings control the system identification,routing tables, class of service, and resource allocation.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: in response to deactivationcaused by the single switch, deactivating components of the radio basestation and the core network module at least partially in parallel,wherein deactivating components of the radio base station comprises:stepping down transmit power of the transceiver, beginning shutdown ofthe base station application programs, and powering off the radio basestation, and wherein deactivating components of the core network modulecomprises: beginning shutdown of the core network application programs,and powering off the core network module.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein the core network module includes a control panel user interfaceconfigured to display, on a computing device, respective states of oneor more of the cellular devices served by the system, wherein the statesinclude idle, in-call, ringing, and off-hook.
 12. The method of claim11, wherein the control panel user interface is configured to cause oneor more of: a call between at least two cellular devices served by thesystem to be initiated by way of a first button on the control paneluser interface, and an SMS text message to be sent to at least onecellular device served by the system by way of a second button on thecontrol panel user interface.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein thecontrol panel user interface facilitates: participation in the call byan operator of the control panel user interface, the operator of thecontrol panel user interface to manage call volume, and the operator ofthe control panel user interface to disable subscribers from makingcalls when channel capacity is within a threshold of an overloadcondition.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the control panel userinterface facilitates disconnection of the call by an operator of thecontrol panel user interface.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein theenclosure is passively cooled with a heat sink, the heat sink includinga plurality of fins parallel to one another and extending from a surfaceof the enclosure.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the electricalpower is supplied to the system by a removable battery pack housedwithin a socket of the single enclosure.
 17. The method of claim 1,wherein the single enclosure is watertight and capable of withstandingwater submersion of a depth of up to one meter.
 18. A system comprising:a radio base station, wherein the radio base station includes atransceiver, a base station processor, and a base station memory storingbase station application programs and base station configurationsettings; a core network module integrated with the radio base station,both housed in a single enclosure, wherein the core network moduleincludes a core network processor, a core network memory storing corenetwork application programs and core network configuration settings,and a subscriber database; and a single switch connecting an electricalpower supply to the system, wherein activation of the switch causesreception of electrical power by the system and initialization ofcomponents of the radio base station and the core network module in apartially parallel fashion, wherein initializing components of the radiobase station comprises: (i) powering on the base station processor, basestation memory, and transceiver, (ii) beginning execution of the basestation application programs, and (iii) loading, by the base stationapplication programs, the base station configuration settings from thebase station memory, wherein initializing components of the core networkmodule comprises: (i) powering on the core network processor and corenetwork memory, (ii) beginning execution of the core network applicationprograms, (iii) loading, by the core network application programs, thecore network configuration settings from the core network memory, and(iv) loading, by a subscriber application program, subscriberinformation from the subscriber database into the core network memory,and wherein the system is configured to: (i) offer, by the core networkmodule to the radio base station, core network services that facilitatesthe placement and reception of cellular calls by cellular devices servedby the system, and (ii) after initialization of the radio base station,accept, by the radio base station, the offer of core network services.19. The system of claim 18, further comprising: a Wifi access pointhoused in the single enclosure, wherein the system is further configuredto, in response to receiving the electrical power caused by activationof the single switch, initialize the Wifi access point with thecomponents of the radio base station and the core network module in thepartially parallel fashion.
 20. The system of claim 19, furthercomprising: a portable, Wifi-enabled satellite terminal configured to,when the system is receiving electrical power, support wirelesscommunication with the Wifi access point, wherein the portable,Wifi-enabled satellite terminal facilitates communication between thecellular devices served by the system and other devices outside of thesystem by way of the Wifi access point.